Kim Edmunds (left) and Pastor Lloyd Griffith at the SARC Awards Banquet in Saskatoon on Oct. 24, 2018.

Joan Janzen
of The Clarion

When Lloyd Griffith became aware of West Central Abilities’ need for more space, he opened the doors of Clearview Community Church, where he serves as pastor.

“Their office is here, clothing distribution is here, and the church board approved offering space for a community garden. It’s a mutual relationship.” said Griffith.

“One of our major focuses is that we literally be involved in our community as a church. We want to do those kinds of things, because it’s community.” That community focus also includes welcoming the Filipino community to conduct worship services in their facility.

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But on a personal level, Griffith is community focused as well. He is on the administrative board for West Central Abilities, which involves making day to day policy decisions, practical decision making, and currently entails plans for a potential building plan.

“We try to formulate this new building plan. I’m using some of the head knowledge from past experience in construction.” Griffith explained.

“I also sit on the Kindersley Integrated Network committee,” he added, a group which connects a broad spectrum of organizations, such as Social Services, schools, RCMP, West Central Abilities and the Ministerial Association. “That connection is so essential.”

But there was more community involvement to come as Griffith continued, “I also have been involved in Rural Assisted Living Inc. I sat on their board last year. Basically we try to help those dealing with disabilities and short comings, who fall through the cracks and don’t qualify for places like West Central Abilities. And I’ve been chair of the Ministerial Association for the last couple of years,” he said, “It means lots of meetings.”

When asked why he takes time for all those meetings, he replied, “Everyone chooses different ways to get involved. I have a particular desire to help those who need help, those with disabilities.”

“We’re always looking for people to step up, but it’s getting harder to find those who wish to volunteer. It’s more challenging now than it was twenty years ago, because people are busy, busy.”

It seems obvious that Lloyd Griffith is also busy, busy. He was far too busy to notice that Kim Edmunds, the Executive Director of West Central Abilities, had nominated him for the Sask. Assoc. of Rehabilitation Centres Community Builder Award.

Upon finding out he was to be recognized as SARC’s 2018 Community Builder, Griffith said, “I was shocked! What? Seriously? It surprised me when they said I had been awarded this thing. You don’t do things for that intent.”

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Lloyd Griffith